The field of robotics is an exciting area, especially for robots that draw inspiration from nature to build something new and spectacular. A self-3D-printing, snake-like robot that grows longer as it moves (stop sniggering) in the same way a vine does has been constructed, opening up a world of possibilities for its application.
Researchers from the Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Italy named the robot the FiloBot, which has a snake-like body and a white head using 3D printing technology, including a feeding mechanism and a plotting unit. As the head spins, more mass is produced, lengthening the length of the robot behind. The body also has a tube containing 3D printer ink, a sort of plastic. The robot’s tail end contains the inkwell, a pump, and a power supply.
FiloBot may be designed to grow towards light or against gravity, taking inspiration from climbing plants. The robot’s growth can also be adapted based on the support provided; for example, if strong supports are available for the robot to climb, it can create a lighter body and grow faster. When the supports are weak or lacking, it can develop a stronger body to support itself.
The team believes that the robot’s capacity to employ atypical growth will enable it cover uneven terrain and even gaps. These abilities could be valuable in situations such as disaster relief or assessing environmental pollution in hazardous locations. The embodied intelligence enables the robot to respond to the physical obstacles of various settings.
